Album

The high concept behind this disc is not to introduce superlative German pianist Markus Groh to an international public, although it does that. Nor is it to present three super virtuoso works by Liszt performed by Groh on an outstanding Steinway and recorded in superb super audio digital sound by Avie, although it does that, too. No, the high concept behind this disc is articulated in the liner notes written by Groh, notes in the form of a letter to the composer, starting with "Most revered Maestro!" and ending "With the most respectful greetings, wherever you or your most inspired spirit may be found." Groh's recital is a sort of musical love letter from the performer to the composer, and as such, it is thoroughly convincing. Winner of the 1995 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Groh plainly has the dexterity, the subtlety, the strength, and the stamina to play Liszt's crushingly difficult B minor Sonata, Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, and Totentanz and play them brilliantly. But above all, it is Groh's love of the music that comes through most clearly in the power and passion of his interpretations. As his notes reveal, he believes everything that's good and noble and heroic in the nineteenth century is in Liszt's piano music, and whether the listener is a fan or not, Groh's performances make a persuasive case for his belief.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Franz Liszt Composer Piano Sonata in B-, S.178 Work Markus Groh Piano
1	Piano Sonata in B-, S.178	31:24			Album Only
Franz Liszt Composer Fantasy and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H, S.529 Work Markus Groh Piano
2	2.Fugue	11:40			Album Only
Franz Liszt Composer Totentanz, S.525 Work Markus Groh Piano
3	Totentanz, S.525	16:08			Album Only